Just a heads up concerning Martelli mats. They only recommend using their cutters with their mat. I bought the Martelli mat several years back ($$) and it has not held up as well as less expensive mats I have owned. It has serious worn groove problems so I will be replacing it soon. So I will be following this thread. Seriuosly the best mat I have ever used is the Gingher mat but they are no longer available.